Debate parliamentary procedure

Debate in parliamentary procedure refers to discussion on the merits of a pending question; that is, whether it should or should not be agreed to. Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised says, "Debate, rightly understood, is an essential element in the making of rational decisions of consequence by intelligent people" The right of members to participate in debate is limited to two ten-minute speeches per day on a question. The United States Senate has a limit of two speeches and no time limit for the speeches. The group could modify the limits of debate to suit its needs. A motion to limit debate is not debatable; therefore, the purpose of the motion would be defeated if this motion itself could be debated. The chair should not speak in debate to maintain the impartiality required of this position. The chairman cannot move so quickly through the proceedings so as to disregard the rights ofMembers to speak on it. If possible, the chair alternates between someone in favor of and someone against the motion. Members should address the chair instead of each other to keep the debate from becoming personal. A member speaking in debate shouldn't be interrupted unless a rule is being broken or the urgency of the situation justifies the interruption.